The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife reports acorn production is strong in red oak trees according to the 2024 acorn mast survey. The survey is a useful report for hunters, which many may use to help guide them when it comes to finding wildlife during hunting seasons. The survey found an average of 68% of red oaks and 34% of white oaks bore fruit on 31 Ohio wildlife areas.

Each summer, Division of Wildlife employees scan the canopies of oaks at select wildlife areas to determine the percentage of trees that produced acorns as well as the relative size of the acorn crop. This is the 20th year the Division of Wildlife has completed the mast survey. This year, the proportion of red oaks statewide bearing acorns (68%) was well above last year (54%), while the percentage of white oaks statewide with acorns (36%) was slightly below last year (40%). The long-term average for red oak production is 55%, and 36% for white oaks.

Acorn abundances vary by region. All results, including tables and historical numbers, are available at wildohio.gov.

Red oaks in 2024 had an average abundance of 24% of the tree’s crown holding acorns, up from 16% last year and besting the long-term average of 19%. White oaks averaged 5% acorn crown coverage, below both last year’s result (9%) and the long-term average (9%). With red oaks faring well by both the presence and relative abundance metrics, hunters can expect to find more red oak acorns in the woods than last year, and fewer white oak acorns.

Acorns come in two basic types: red and white, coming from the red and white oak tree groups. Red oak acorns take two years to develop, and the acorns are bitter, containing a large amount of the chemical tannin. White oak acorns take only one year to develop and have a sweeter taste for wildlife. White oak trees have leaves with rounded lobes and tend to drop their acorns in late summer and early fall. Red oak trees have leaves with bristled lobes and often drop their acorns later than white oaks, even into winter. These differences cause periodic fluctuations in statewide acorn abundance. Low mast production years are a normal part of this cycle, and wildlife readily adapt to find alternative food sources.

A single oak tree can produce thousands of acorns, feeding a diversity of wildlife such as white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, blue jays, ruffed grouse, squirrels, raccoons, woodpeckers, and foxes. Wildlife seeks out and eats acorns throughout the fall and winter.

As a critical food source for many forest wildlife species, acorn abundance has been linked to body condition, winter survival, and reproductive success. A year with low acorn abundance causes deer and other wildlife to move around more in search of food. In areas with poor acorn production, wild animals are more likely to feed near agricultural areas and forest edges.

Deer hunters can use acorn survey information to improve hunting success. In areas where acorns are an important part of the deer’s diet, mast availability can affect deer movements and ultimately hunter success. In poor mast years, deer are forced to use other food sources, and travel distances between feeding and bedding areas may be longer. Hunters may key in on travel corridors and alternate food sources. In regions with a strong acorn crop this fall, hunters may find success hunting in or near oak stands. Red oak stands may be of interest to deer hunters this fall, especially later in the year.

Oak trees have value beyond food and shelter for wildlife. Collect mature acorns in the fall and place them in a bucket of water. Keep the ones that sink and discard any that float, as those won’t germinate. Store the remaining acorns in the refrigerator or outside for at least eight weeks in the winter months. Plant the acorns under a shallow covering of soil in the early spring, water regularly, and enjoy seeing your new oak trees grow.

The Division of Wildlife is responsible for conserving and improving fish and wildlife resources in the Buckeye State. Follow the Division of Wildlife on Instagram and Facebook for news stories, wildlife photography, outdoor recreation ideas, local wildlife information, and more. Visit wildohio.gov to find locations to hunt, fish, trap, and view wildlife.

The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.